AN EXAMINATION OF THE ROLE OF RADIO BROADCASTING IN ENHANCING WOMEN'S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN LAGOS STATE

Compared to other channels of communication such as television, newspapers, magazines, interpersonal, and traditional media, radio has proven to be more effective in disseminating political messages and raising awareness among women. This is primarily because radio remains more accessible and affordable for the general public, particularly women, who often lack the financial resources to purchase print media (Amadi, 2016). Although print media, such as newspapers and magazines, offer lasting content, the economic realities in Nigeria make them increasingly unaffordable for many, especially women who struggle to prioritize such expenses in their daily lives (Asemah, 2017). In the same vein, television is often considered a luxury, out of reach for a large portion of Nigerian households due to its high cost of acquisition and maintenance. As a result, radio becomes the most feasible and widely consumed medium of information. Elections are a widely accepted element of democratic governance, providing a structured method for citizens to elect their leaders in constitutional democracies around the world (Jendele, 2016; McChesney, 2015). Within these systems, citizens democratically choose candidates who will represent and serve them for fixed constitutional periods. Since the adoption of the Nigerian Constitution in 2010, the country has undergone democratic transitions similar to other nations with constitutional term limits—often allowing presidents to serve two five-year terms. During election cycles, political aspirants engage in rigorous campaigns, utilizing diverse media strategies to persuade the electorate. Consequently, electoral periods attract significant attention and financial investment, particularly in political communication. Elections in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom continue to draw global interest due to their international influence and geopolitical weight (Fourie, 2017). Hans Klein (2015) defines political participation as the right of citizens to influence public affairs. From this perspective, political participation encompasses various actions by individuals aimed at shaping or supporting governance and political processes. It reflects essential democratic freedoms such as freedom of speech, assembly, and association, as well as the right to vote, run for office, and engage in decision-making processes at all levels of government. Despite the constitutional provisions for gender equality in Nigeria—outlined in Chapter 4, Sections 30 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution—women’s involvement in political leadership remains significantly limited. Historically, Nigerian women have played notable roles in political activism, dating back to the 19th century. Pioneering figures such as Queen Amina of Zaria, Madam Tinubu of Lagos, Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti of Abeokuta, Margaret Ekpo, and Hajia Gambo Sawaba were instrumental in advocating for women's rights and political inclusion. These women championed awareness and mobilization efforts aimed at increasing female political engagement. Professor Attahiru Jega, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), emphasized that women should not be limited to casting votes or supporting male candidates. This perspective informed the development of the INEC Gender Policy, which includes the following objectives: 1. Ensuring that INEC’s internal policies, procedures, and operations are responsive to gender concerns. 2. Promoting gender equity within political parties, particularly in the nomination and selection of candidates, in accordance with party constitutions. 3. Increasing budgetary allocations and encouraging stakeholders to finance gender-sensitive initiatives within their jurisdictions. 4. Establishing a supportive legal environment aimed at advancing gender equality and addressing disparities in political representation at all tiers of government. 5. Given radio’s capacity to reach broad audiences and its increasing global relevance in political discourse, its role in political mobilization cannot be overlooked. Radio remains a highly effective tool for public engagement, leveraging commentary, interviews, talk shows, and other programming formats to inform and influence public opinion. Additionally, radio enhances participatory democracy by fostering collective dialogue and decision-making among citizens. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Radio has been extensively utilized as an instrument for social development and mass mobilization in both developed and developing countries. In Nigeria, it is widely accessible and remains one of the most consumed forms of media. A study by Agbalajobi (2015) during the 2015 Nigerian general elections found that 82% of participants listened to radio, with 61% tuning in daily, 14% listening 3–6 times per week, and 7% 1–2 times weekly. However, the study did not explore whether radio content had any significant influence on voters’ decisions or political behavior during the election. Luka (2016) remarked that "politics is too important to be left solely to men," highlighting the problem of persistent underrepresentation of women in Nigerian politics. For instance, in the 2011 general elections, only 20 of the 109 seats in the Nigerian Senate were occupied by women, and women held just 24 out of 362 seats in the House of Representatives. Notably, there were no female governors across Nigeria’s 36 states, and the country has yet to witness a female president or vice president (Kombo, 2018). These statistics clearly indicate the limited participation of women in the country’s political arena, especially when compared to other nations such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Liberia, Brazil, and the Philippines, where women have held top political offices. Despite the constitutional guarantee of equal rights for all citizens under the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, women's representation remains disproportionately low. Given that one of the fundamental roles of the media, especially radio, is to promote political engagement and awareness, its function in mobilizing women to participate in politics becomes particularly significant. Understanding how radio contributes to enhancing women's political involvement in Lagos State is essential in addressing the gender imbalance in political participation. 1.3 Objective of the study The primary objective of the study is to examine tthe Role of Radio Broadcasting in Enhancing Women's Political Participation in Lagos State. Other specific objectives are as follows: 1. To evaluate the extent of women’s awareness of political programs on radio towards mobilizing them for political participation. 2. To examine the perception of women on the political programs been run on radio stations. 3. To find out if the political media programs is adequate to dispel fears in women who would like to participate in politics. 4. To examine how effective the political programs on radio stations is towards mobilizing women for political participation. 1.4 Research Questions The following questions have been prepared for the study 1. To what extent is women’s awareness of political programs on radio towards mobilizing them for political participation? 2. What is the perception of women on the political programs been run on radio stations? 3. Is the political media programs adequate to dispel fears in women who would like to participate in politics? 4. how effective is the political programs on radio stations towards mobilizing women for political participation? 1.5 Rationale of the study This study will examine the role of radio in mobilizing women for political participation in Lagos state. Hence the study will be of benefit to the following: Radio broadcasting commission: this study will be of benefit to the radio broadcasting commission and radio stations as it will see the need to further encourage and sponsor programs which will encourage women toward political participation. Political party: this study will be of benefit to the several political parties in the country as it will further propel them toward allowing women contest for political office on their platform. Academia: this study is significant to the academic community as it will contribute to existing literature. 1.6 Scope of the study The study evaluate the extent of women’s awareness of political programs on radio towards mobilizing them for political participation. The study will also examine the perception of women on the political programs been run on radio stations. More so, the study will find out if the political media programs is adequate to dispel fears in women who would like to participate in politics. The study will further investigate how adequate the political content on radio stations helps in reducing the fear women may have towards participating in politics. Lastly, the study will examine how effective the political programs on radio stations is towards mobilizing women for political participation. Hence this study will be delimited to resident of Victoria island and staff of Wazobia fm Eti-Osa local government. 1.7 Limitation of the study This study was constrained by a number of factors which are as follows: just like any other research, ranging from unavailability of needed accurate materials on the topic under study, inability to get data Financial constraint , was faced by the researcher ,in getting relevant materials and in printing and collation of questionnaires Time factor: time factor pose another constraint since having to shuttle between writing of the research and also engaging in other academic work making it uneasy for the researcher 1.8 Definition of terms Radio: the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves of radio frequency, especially those carrying sound messages. Political participation: Political participation includes a broad range of activities through which people develop and express their opinions on the world and how it is governed, and try to take part in and shape the decisions that affect their lives.